Two children and a woman have died in a shooting in Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, police have said. A man remains in a serious condition in hospital.
The victims are understood to be a mother in her 40s, her son and daughter.
Superintendent Robert McGowan confirmed that all four people suffered gunshot wounds and that there was a “limited domestic history” concerning those involved. Police confirmed that they were all from the same family.
Two people had been declared dead at the scene in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge, which is now cordoned off. A third person, who had been seriously injured in the shooting, was pronounced dead on Wednesday afternoon.
The suspect has a “limited footprint” with police, McGowan said, adding that the police were in the early stages of the investigation.
McGowan said that the police were not aware of the victims or the suspect having any prior contact with mental health services. He confirmed that a murder investigation had been launched but that it was “not anticipated at this stage that any further arrests will be made.”
McGowan said: “It was very harrowing for all involved, not only police, but colleagues in the ambulance service and family members.
“Officers, along with their colleagues in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, attended a house in the Drummeer Road area. Tragically, despite best medical efforts, two people were pronounced dead at the scene. Sadly, I can confirm that a third person has this afternoon passed away in hospital.
“The fourth person, who was taken to hospital, remains in a condition described as serious.
“All four had sustained gunshot wounds and I can confirm that all four individuals are from the same household.
“I am keen first and foremost to express my sympathy to the family members and loved ones who are today left in total shock and who will struggle to come to terms with their unimaginable loss.
“Detectives have now commenced a murder investigation and are working at pace to determine the circumstances. This is a quiet rural location and I’m aware that this tragic event will have sent shockwaves of sadness throughout the community.”
A spokesman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: “We can advise there is no ongoing risk to the public.”
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service earlier said one patient was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, by air ambulance and another to South West Acute Hospital by ambulance.
Drummeer Road is still closed and other traffic diversions may be in place.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, the deputy first minister, said in a joint statement that they are “deeply saddened” by the incident.
“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims and their families, and the wider community,” they said. “We want to pay tribute to and thank our emergency services who responded to the incident.”
Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland secretary, said it was a “tragic and deeply distressing incident”. He said his thoughts were with the victims, relatives and the local community and urged people not to speculate.
Pat Cullen, the Sinn Fein MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, said she was shocked when she heard about the shooting and that her thoughts were “with the victims and their families at this tragic time.”
She also asked people “not to speculate on the details of this tragic and shocking incident”.
Deborah Erskine, a representative in the Northern Ireland Assembly for the area, described the area as rural and quiet, and said the community was stunned. “Everyone is deeply affected by what has happened this morning,” she said.
Diana Armstrong, another assembly member for the area, said that the incident was “heartbreaking and distressing”.
“The loss of life and the serious injuries reported have shocked the local community,” she said. “My thoughts are with the families of those affected and with everyone in the community as they come to terms with this tragedy.”
The local Gaelic football club said those who died were all “active and beloved” members of the club. St Mary’s Maguiresbridge GFC said it would ensure those who need support can access it.